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Landmynz Explode 

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'We are not average. We are not beginners.' 

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Verbalz: Kopano Marumo

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Landmynz is not just another gathering of wannabes who are keen to taste fame and see their name in print, by attempting to sound like a 2006 version of A Tribe Called Quest. There is much more to them than just their cargo gear and Timberlands. These Soweto natives actually have a plan. 

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YFM's Lee described Landmynz as one of the 'huge' contributors to local hip hop and even the Star and Sowetan newspapers took notice. 'We know what we want. We are not average. We are not beginners. We know what hip hop should sound like. We are working to preserve real hip hop, the sound,' they said. 

Three years ago, long time friends, MCs and IT specialists, deePea (Lesetja Dikgale) and Mr. C (Carl Thobane) together with other business partners, created Landmynz Entertainment. With the help of the Internet, MCs from across the country were invited to audition for a slot on a mixed tape that would also introduce the production skills of deePea (24) and Mr. C (27).

'The whole point was to put together hip hop from people that had not gotten their big break yet, but most of the people that came through were whack and the mixed tape didn't happen,' admits deePea. Neon (Keletso Ramela), also 24, was one of the few that managed to impress the highly critical judging panel. He stuck around and he, deePea and Mr. C unwittingly developed into the hip hop crew, Landmynz.

Later that year, the newly formed clique debuted on the Cape Town mixed tape Heal the Hood Vol. 5 with the track 'Blowing up Crews'. The following year, after putting their songs on the web, they were interviewed on YFM. It was only at the beginning of 2005, that the original mixed tape concept was again put into motion, but this time with a different spin on it. MCs were requested to forward their tracks in order to be part of a compilation. A total of 25 songs were received from as far off as the US, but Perigo Minas Vol. 1, which dropped earlier this year, only had room for 15 songs. 

'We are in no rush to release our own album. It's all about longevity, for the greater good of hip hop. If one of the artists on the mixed tape blows up because of the album, it is good for all of us because people will see that it is from a Landmynz disc when they buy it. Local hip hop is growing, it is just a matter of us working together to achieve a common goal because no one is bigger than hip hop', the group said.

Naturally, nearly half of the album consists of Landmynz joints and they don't disappoint, especially Mr. C, who is a beat maker of note and is certainly on par with, if not better than, the likes of Omen and Draztik. Look out for '21 Rhyme Salute' (which was once Track of the Week on YFM), 'One Step Kaboom', 'The City', featuring Dungeon Shack and 'LBW (Lovely Black Women)' with BlakRhoze on vocals.  

'We make music that we want to hear. It's the typical mid 90's sound, Soweto hip hop. It is mellow and sample based,' they said. Other tracks that stand out include 'Gridlocked' by Subzz, Clueso and Snazz D. What a beat! American Han Dolo also holds it down on 'Priceless Part II'. Awesome track. (Is it just me or does he sound like Young Nations?) Buried at the bottom of the playlist is the brief but appetizing 'Sirens' performed by SpaceMan, produced by Dome. Even the catchy, radio-friendly tracks are still true to the cause. Generally an outstanding selection of songs, showcasing high quality lyrics and beats. 

So where do you get it? Perigo Minas Vol. 1 is being distributed for free, so if you see one of them on the street or at a gig - claim your copy! If you can't make it to Slaghuis or Splash Jam in Soweto, then catch them share the stage with HHP at his YBA II NW gigs in Pretoria. Downloads are also available for free from www.harambeafrica.com, www.africasgateway.com and www.myspace.com/landmynz.  What's more, if you buy a local hip hop album at the CD Warehouse in Rosebank, you receive a complimentary copy of Perigo Minas Vol I. The video for '21 Rhyme Salute' is set to hit screens in June.

'We are just broke n*ggas trying to make a Rand out of 15 cents. We want to be one of the most prominent independents one day. Have a ufcking skyscraper!' chuckles Dee-Pea, but you can tell that he is dead serious. 

The follow up to Perigo Minas Vol.I is due in September, but this time it will set you back R60 at the most. 'We have already started compiling the next mixed tape. It is going to be harder and better. More Landmynz tracks, production and collaborations,' insists deePea, hardly managing to hide his excitement. Expect an exclusively Landmynz release next year.

If you want to know more, contact Landmynz on 072 381 6269 or landmynz@gmail.com.